Ljubljana Old Town

Overview

Ljubljana's Old Town is a car-free medieval quarter stretching along both banks of the Ljubljanica River. Plečnik's colonnades, Baroque facades, and a continuous strip of riverside cafés create one of Europe's most charming pedestrian zones.

Highlights

• Ljubljanica Embankment: Plečnik-designed stone embankments lined with willow trees and café terraces.
• Mestni trg (Town Square): A Baroque square with a replica of Francesco Robba's fountain and the Town Hall.
• Stari trg (Old Square): A narrow medieval street with pastel-painted houses and artisan shops.

History

The old town grew around the castle hill from the 13th century. Much of its current appearance dates from the Baroque reconstruction after the 1511 earthquake, overlaid with Plečnik's 20th-century interventions.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walk from Prešeren Square to the castle via Stari trg for the best sequence of facades.
• Tip 2: On Saturdays, the riverside fills with market stalls and buskers.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.